Frank Field, the Labour MP who is leading an inquiry into poverty for the government, has admitted that there are "no guarantees" that the government will take his recommendations on board.

But, speaking to Today presenter James Naughtie, Mr Field said that the government had insisted that "this is an independent review" and would complement the work being done by the Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

He said that the wanted to "shift the debate" to what do we spend and by spending that money are we seriously increasing the life chances, particularly of the poorest children.

Mr Field's review is expected to be published early next year.

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